Young actress Sophia Gennusa, who shares the leading role in Matilda The Musical with three other girls, has been announced to perform during the April 11 opening night at the Shubert Theatre.

Sophia Gennusa
Photo by Joan Marcus

Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing, La Bête, Ghost) staged the inventive, kid-packed musical that has a book by Dennis Kelly and a score by Tim Minchin. Previews began March 4.

The cast features original West End star Bertie Carvel, who earned an Olivier Award for his portrayal of the malicious, pigtail-hating Miss Trunchbull. In addition to Gennusa, the Broadway cast includes Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon and Milly Shapiro, who also share the title role.

Gennusa was selected at random to play Matilda in the April 11 performance during a special drawing at Sardi's. Each young actress rotates in the role. Producers do not announce a set performance schedule ahead of time.

The Broadway principal company also features Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (Zorro; Kiss, Me Kate) as Miss Wormwood, Gabriel Ebert (4000 Miles) as Mr. Wormwood, original London cast member Lauren Ward (Follies, Violet) as Miss Honey and veteran Chicago actress Karen Aldridge ("Boss," "Chicago Fire") as Mrs. Phelps. Young British actor Ted Wilson from the original London cast of Matilda repeats his work as schoolmate Eric in the Broadway production.

Meet the Young Stars of Matilda the Musical

Meet the Young Stars of Matilda the Musical

Young actresses Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon and Milly Shapiro will share the title role in the Broadway production of Matilda The Musical, producers announced Nov. 15. The Olivier Award-winning musical will arrive on Broadway in March 2013. Read the Playbill.com story.